First Dell pre-integrated VDI workload available with VMware® Horizon View™ 5.2, a part of the recently announced VMware Horizon Suite, adding to the comprehensive Dell and VMware solution portfolio

Dell and VMware continue to invest in mid-market focused end-user computing solutions and resources for the channel

On the heels of its announcement to help customers deploy workloads with confidence, Dell with VMware today unveiled a pre-integrated system specifically designed for VMware-based virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) workloads, the Dell DVS Enterprise – Active System 800 with VMware Horizon View 5.2. According to a recent study conducted by the Enterprise Strategy Group, one-third of midmarket and enterprise organizations surveyed currently have some form of desktop virtualization technology deployed, and of these users, more than half leverage VDI. To help channel partners meet the customer demand for VDI workloads, Dell will use Active System as the foundation for its Desktop Virtualization Solutions (DVS) portfolio to enable organizations to rapidly deploy and provision VDI workloads and improve efficiencies through resource optimization and heightened security.

Delivering desktop virtualization via converged infrastructure

Dell DVS Enterprise - Active System 800 with VMware Horizon View 5.2 combines Dell server, storage, networking, thin clients and infrastructure management software into a pre-integrated system to provide general purpose virtualized resource pools for virtual desktops. In addition, a full suite of consulting, deployment and support services are available to ease integration and ensure robust operation of the system once deployed.

With organic innovation and expertise gained through the Gale Technologies acquisition, Dell DVS Enterprise – Active System 800 with VMware Horizon View can streamline administration and improve performance of virtual environments, increase user productivity, and reduce the costs of running virtual workloads, all while allowing increased flexibility in the deployment of desktop virtualization.

A key component and differentiator of the intuitive and comprehensive solution is the integrated Dell Active System Manager 7.0, designed to extend the management capabilities of Active System beyond the physical infrastructure to the virtualized infrastructure and workloads. The solution also integrates simplified chassis networking and modular infrastructure to enable organizations to:

Rapidly respond to dynamic business demands with template based infrastructure and workload provisioning and pre-integrated platform options

Simplify the complex matrix of technologies required to deploy virtual desktops to support a dynamic virtual workforce

Accelerate time-to-value by simplifying deployment and management for desktop virtualization and initiatives

Dell PartnerDirect Desktop Virtualization Solutions Competency: align Dell’s channel partner’s sales, business and technical requirements with training and resources to ensure that they get the highest level of Dell support and take advantage of discounts, deal registration, and incentive programs.

In addition to Dell PartnerDirect, Dell channel partners will also be able to procure solutions through their regular distribution channels, and VMware components can count toward VMware Partner Network program quota, incentives and promotions Solution Providers can purchase end-to-end Dell solutions that include VMware solutions directly from Dell, and still have the benefits of the VMware Partner Network program

Quotes

“By collaborating with Dell, we’re able to utilize our joint expertise and resources to provide end-to-end Dell and VMware desktop virtualization solutions to our customers,” said Jason Myers, Regional Director - Southwest Region, FusionStorm. “The desktop virtualization competency and other incentives that are offered through Dell PartnerDirect have enabled us to be successful and set us apart in the marketplace. We look forward to the additional Dell and VMware resources and solutions that help our mid-market customers simplify and accelerate their desktop virtualization deployments.”

“VMware and Dell’s strategic alliance continues to expand, as we both share a vision of providing innovative end-user computing solutions to our customers of various sizes,” said Toni Adams, vice president, Global Partner and Alliances Marketing, VMware. “The Dell DVS Enterprise Active System 800 with VMware® Horizon View™ 5.2 demonstrates how we’re introducing solutions that can help organizations gain greater agility, efficiency and service quality out of their IT infrastructures.”

Availability

Dell DVS Enterprise – Active System 800 with VMware Horizon View will be available in the US in March 2013 and will roll out to the rest of the world beginning Summer 2013.

About VMware

VMware (NYSE: VMW) is the leader in virtualization and cloud infrastructure solutions that enable businesses to thrive in the Cloud Era. Customers rely on VMware to help them transform the way they build, deliver and consume Information Technology resources in a manner that is evolutionary and based on their specific needs. With 2012 revenues of $4.61 billion, VMware has more than 480,000 customers and 55,000 partners. The company is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the world and can be found online at www.vmware.com.

About Dell

Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers worldwide innovative technology, business solutions and services they trust and value. For more information, visit www.dell.com.